Help Mateo Heal: Support His Heart and Path to Wellness

Support Mateo’s Journey to a Healthy Heart

Hi everyone,

I’m Mateo’s Mama, Jastine, with his daddy, Saul. We’re reaching out with full hearts and a lot of hope. Our son Mateo is scheduled to undergo open heart surgery on June 19 at Rady Children’s Hospital to repair a moderate-size VSD (ventricular septal defect). This is something we’ve known about for some time, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

Many of you know that Mateo has had several medical scares lately, and each time, we’re left wondering if it’s connected to his heart or lungs. It's been an emotional rollercoaster. Watching your child go through these challenges is something no parent can ever prepare for.

We’ve never been the type to ask for help—but after so much encouragement from our friends and family, we’re learning to lean on the village around us. If you feel moved to give, your support would help cover the costs of Mateo’s surgery, his hospital stay, and the recovery period afterward.



It may also help one or both of us stay home longer with him, so we can focus fully on his healing and rebuilding his strength.

We know everyone is facing their own challenges right now, and we’re deeply grateful for anything you’re able to give—whether it’s a donation, a share, a prayer, or simply holding Mateo in your heart.

There’s also an option to order Tapsilog for the San Diego Region. We will communicate with you if we’ve hit our max orders each week as my mama is the one making the food for the fundraiser. We can also donate meals to our homeless community for those that live outside of San Diego. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us.

Thank you for standing with us.